E-bike company apologizes, recalls electric bike model after lawsuit
Earlier this month we covered the infringement lawsuit brought against Himiway by JackRabbit after the former released a very similarly styled micro electric bike. Now that e-bike, known as the Himiway Pony, is being recalled and Himiway is issuing an apology.
The JackRabbit, which is technically better classified as a seated electric scooter due to its lack of pedals, has been a popular product in the micro e-bike category for several years.
I’ve tested one myself on multiple occasions and found it to be a fun and convenient little electric two-wheeler, even for international travel thanks to its small size and easy packability.
You can see the bike being tested in my own review video below.
The incredibly short wheel base, distinctive frame and handlebar design, and the folding pegs sandwiched between 20″ wheels have become a hallmark of the JackRabbit.
With a lightweight setup at just 25 lb. (11.5 kg) yet capable of 20 mph (32 km/h) speeds, it has been praised for its combination of bicycle-like ride comfort and scooter-like portability. In fact, the $999 micro e-bike seems to have developed something of a cult-following with its riderbase, something rarely seen outside of lifestyle e-bikes like those from SUPER73.
And so you can imagine the dismay on the JackRabbit team’s faces when they awoke to see what looked like a nearly identical copy of the JackRabbit unveiled as part of rival e-bike company Himiway’s 2023 product line announcement two months ago.
That copycat bike, known as the Himiway Pony, quickly spawned a lawsuit for infringement, and now Himiway is responding.
In its official statement, Himiway acknowledges the similarity between its Pony electric micro-bike and the JackRabbit, as well as acknowledges that its model infringes upon the JackRabbit:
“We want to take a moment to apologize for the inconvenience caused by our Pony Model. We’ll take full responsibility for it.
Our product team was inspired by children’s balance bikes and aimed to create a low-cost, affordable option for our customers. In so, we relied on available parts and components from our suppliers to design the Pony Model, which we believed would be different from anything else on the market.
However, we discovered that our design, while structurally different, shares some similarities with existing products in the market, which infringed on their design. Despite the design, costs, and experience, we have failed to recognize the similarities and have unintentionally violated some design rights.”
The Himiway team then goes on to announce that it will be recalling its Pony bikes:
“We are aware of our mistakes and want to make them right. Therefore, we are recalling all the Models. Furthermore, we want to assure you our team values integrity and transparency, and we recognize that our customer’s trust is of the utmost importance.”
Lastly, Himiway released a few forward-looking statements about its commitment to preventing a repeat occurence of this event:
“We recognize that we still have to learn and grow as a company, and we will continue to provide low-cost options for our customers. We understand that it may take us longer to launch new products. Still, we will prioritize transparency and integrity development process to ensure that we deliver only the best quality products.
In conclusion, we realize that we are not perfect, and we continue to learn from our mistakes. We apologize sincerely for any inconvenience caused. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further concerns.”
Himiway produces a wide range of electric bike models, though this was its first attempt at a small-format and lightweight e-bike. If the company decides to try again, it sounds like they’ll be a lot more careful next time.
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Blink Charging (Nasdaq: BLNK) has struck a deal with Hubject to make charging easier for EV drivers across North America.
The agreement will bring Blink into Hubject’s intercharge eRoaming platform as a charge point operator. That means electric mobility service providers (eMSPs) and their customers in the US, Canada, and Mexico will soon have access to Blink’s charging stations through their existing apps. In turn, Blink drivers will gain better access to stations connected through Hubject’s network.
Hubject, which already connects more than 1 million charging points and 2,750 partners worldwide, expects the integration to strengthen its North American presence by adding Blink’s wide-ranging network of chargers, from Level 2 workplace stations to DC fast charging. Blink, meanwhile, anticipates more customers will plug in, thanks to Hubject’s reach.
“Our collaboration with Blink marks an important step in expanding our North American intercharge network,” said Trishan Peruma, CEO of Hubject North America. “By integrating Blink’s network into our eRoaming platform, we aim to help reduce barriers that have historically complicated EV charging and to support the continued growth of EV adoption across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.”
Blink Charging’s president and CEO Mike Battaglia added, “Connecting the Blink Network to Hubject’s platform will allow more drivers to benefit from interoperable charging while traveling.”
The integration will use the industry-standard OCPI protocol to keep billing and communication between networks secure and reliable. Deployment is planned in phases throughout 2025, with full integration targeted for the end of the year.
Read more: Blink just made it a lot easier to find its charging stations
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Hyundai wants to make the electric sports car for everyone. Not just those who can afford it. The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Essentials trim was launched in Korea on Monday, offering a lower price tag but the same thrilling drive.
Hyundai launches new IONIQ 5 N Essentials in Korea
The IONIQ 5 N is Hyundai’s first EV sports car under the IONIQ series. Initially launched in 2023, the IONIQ 5 N marked a new era for Hyundai’s high-performance N division.
Hyundai’s electric hot hatch not only looks the part with added sporty “N” branded elements scattered inside and out, but it’s also packed with fun features, advanced tech, and a host of drive modes.
Based on a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain, the IONIQ 5 N delivers up to 641 horsepower when N Grin Boost is engaged. Even without it, the electric sports car packs 601 hp.
It also draws power from an 84 kWh battery, good for an EPA-estimated range of 221 miles. On the WLTP scale, it’s rated with an official range of 278 miles (448 km). The added power results in a lower range than other IONIQ 5 trims.
Although it was already one of the most affordable sports cars, EV or gas-powered, Hyundai is lowering the price even further.
After launching the new Essentials model in South Korea on Monday, Hyundai said the new trim “is characterized by lowering the barrier to entry so that customers can experience the overwhelming driving performance of the IONIQ 5 N at a reasonable price through optimized specifications.”
Hyundai focused on core convenience features while including the same high-performance motors, battery, and N-specific elements as the base model.
A Hyundai official said, “The Essential trim of the IONIQ 5 N is a new trim that offers greater cost-effectiveness to lower the barrier to entry for high-performance electric vehicles.”
The IONIQ 5 N features advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including highway driving assist and navigation-based smart cruise control. Hyundai has also added an exclusive new “Parking Assist Lite” package, offering safety and convenience features such as surround view monitoring and rear parking assistance.
The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Essentials trim starts at 74.9 million won ($54,000), including tax benefits. Hyundai said it will continue to make competitive products so more buyers can experience high-performance EVs.
Although the Essentials trim is not available in the US, the IONIQ 5 N is still more affordable than most sports cars. The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N starts at $66,200. But, with the $7,500 tax credit, which is set to expire on September 30, leases are currently listed as low as $549 per month.
Looking to test the IONIQ 5 out for yourself? You can use our link to find the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and high-performance N models near you today (trusted affiliate link).
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A federal judge has cleared the way for Ørsted’s nearly complete 704-megawatt (MW) Revolution Wind offshore wind farm to restart construction, overturning a stop-work order imposed by the Trump administration.
Reagan-appointed senior US District Judge Royce C. Lamberth granted a preliminary injunction in Washington, DC, calling the government’s conduct “the height of arbitrary and capricious government conduct.” He added, “If Revolution Wind cannot meet benchmark deadlines, the entire project could collapse. There is no doubt in my mind of irreparable harm to the plaintiffs.”
Ørsted welcomed the ruling and said in a statement, “Revolution Wind will continue to seek to work collaboratively with the US Administration and other stakeholders toward a prompt resolution. Revolution Wind will resume impacted construction work as soon as possible, with safety as the top priority.”
The decision marks a significant setback for the Trump administration’s attempts to stall offshore wind development. Revolution Wind is already about 80% complete, with all turbine foundations and 45 of 65 turbines successfully installed, and expected to power 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Earlier this month, the two states’ attorneys general announced they were suing the Trump administration to overturn its “baseless” decision to halt Revolution Wind. That underlying lawsuit challenging the stop-work order will continue to progress.
Oceantic Network CEO Liz Burdock said, “Today’s decision allowing work to resume on Revolution Wind is welcome news for the hundreds of skilled workers who can now return to their jobs while the legal process continues. This Made in America energy project is putting Americans to work building reliable, affordable power to communities across New England that desperately need it.”
Read more: Connecticut, Rhode Island sue Trump to save 80% complete offshore wind farm
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